The resolution declares an emergency regarding the need to amend the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to limit rent adjustments for rent-stabilized units in the District of Columbia. It outlines the history of rent increases in these units, noting that significant increases have occurred in recent years, including an 8.9% increase approved in January 2023, which was the highest in the program's history. The resolution highlights the concerns raised by both landlords and tenants, with landlords citing rising maintenance costs and tenants fearing displacement due to increased rents.

To address these issues, the Council has previously passed legislation to mitigate displacement risks and preserve affordable housing, including a 4% annual cap for certain vulnerable tenants and a 6% cap for other rent-stabilized units. The current temporary legislation is set to expire on January 12, 2025, prompting the need for emergency legislation to ensure continued protection for tenants and the affordable housing stock. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of adopting the Rent Stabilized Housing Inflation Protection Continuation Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to maintain these protections.